WEEK 11 PROMPT RESPONSE (Non-Fiction Matrix)

1       Where is the book on the narrative continuum? 2         þ   Highly narrative (reads like fiction)

2        What is the subject of the book?              Getting sober- the transition from a life of late-night partying to one of self-respect and conscious decision making

3        What type of book is it?               Personal Memoir; also falls under the sub-genre “Quit-Lit”

4       Articulate appeal   What is the pacing of the book?   Fast-paced; this book reads quickly   Describe the characters of the book.   This book is character-driven; it focuses on the author herself, Sarah Hepola, a magazine writer from Texas who moves to New York City; her relationships with several close female friends are also featured   How does the story feel?   Humorous, self-deprecating, reflective, insightful   What is the intent of the author?   To share her experience   What is the focus of the story?   The experience of the author with alcohol over several decades; story focuses on author’s incidents of blacking out and then dealing with the aftermath as well as the experience of choosing and building a life in sobriety   Does the language matter?   Yes, the language and voice of the author help the reader to understand her personality and relate to her more effectively   Is the setting important and well described?   The settings are somewhat important but are mostly well described background features that help progress the story through time as Hepola moves from one place to another throughout her life   Are there details and, if so, of what?   For obvious reasons, Hepola offers relatively few details about events when she is drunk; details focus on her inner turmoil after these incidents and her emotional experiences getting sober   Are there sufficient charts and other graphic materials? Are they useful and clear?   None   Does the book stress moments of learning, understanding, or experience?   Yes, the book heavily stresses moments of learning about the culture of alcohol in America and how it relates to women specifically, understanding why a person drinks and why they continue even when it is harmful, and how a person experiences the world differently when sober vs. when drunk

5        Why would a reader enjoy this book (rank appeal)? 1.     Learning/ experiencing 2.     Characterization 3.     Tone